South Sudan: A new nation is born

By Peter Opiyo in Juba

Juba is awash with the South Sudan's flag, the streets have been swept clean, dress rehearsals finalised, the military standing guard, and everyone's hopes are high.

The aura is ecstatic as residents march the streets and rhythmic tunes of the new national anthem chime, filling the air as a nation is born.

Former President Moi (second left) arrives for the ceremony in South Sudan. Pictures: Collins KWEYU/STANDARD

From Juba International Airport to the John Garang Mausoleum, mean-looking SPLA soldiers clutch to their machine guns and rifles, as security measures are stepped up for about 30 heads of states expected here Saturday.

No commercial planes have been taking off or landing in Juba since Friday evening with authorities closing the airspace to allow dignitaries fly in and out without any security threats.

For the past two days military clampdown has characterised the nights and movements restricted ahead of the formal breakaway of the South from the North.

Messages of liberation struggle don banners and billboards, reflecting the relief that comes with this day following an overwhelming approval of 98 per cent for separation in the January referendum.

The referendum was part of the CPA deal to end two decades of war, which is estimated to have killed about 1.5 million people.

At the Mausoleum, where the ceremony would be held, a huge billboard bearing a photo of the late John Garang, South Sudan’s first President, bears the message

“This final walk to freedom, our martyrs, our freedom,” perhaps in remembrance of decades of war between the South and North over resources. An electronic board displays the words “Congratulations SPLM, thank you for freedom” flashes on the main street of Juba.

Radio stations have been blaring the new national anthem as residents gleefully hum along and cherish this new symbol of sovereignty.

The three-stanza anthem will officially be launched Saturday.

A coat of Arms bearing an image of the African Fish eagle has been chosen to be a symbol of trappings of statehood. The Government expects massive celebrations across the country and Information Minister Benjamin Marial said there would be no gunfire as part of the celebrations.

“If you can, you can even break a glass and cause more noise as you want because a new child is born,” said Marial.

Tension and fears had been expressed in the run-up to the Independence Day that there may be resumption of war following fighting in Abyei and South Kordofan, a conflict that has uprooted about 170,000 people from their homes.

But agreement by the two sides to pull out forces from the two areas has somehow calmed tension.